For those looking to escape the Christmas rush and get a head start on their New Year’s resolutions, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists, has just the answer. From holistic healing experiences in Thailand to mountain trekking in India and non-stop pampering in Italy, discover where to go for a wellness retreat during the Christmas and New Year period. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or calm and collected yogi, ditch the ordinary, take the time-out from the traditional and head wherever your wellness whims take you. With a host of exotic locations for you to visit, let this Christmas be the most wonderful time of the year as you put yourself first in the lap of luxury.

Walking in a Wellness Wonderland: India Ananda Active
This festive season, take time-out from the traditional and head to the home of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation. Ananda, set in the Himalayan foothills, is the epitome of wellness destination travel, evoking spirituality and calm in all that visit. Embrace the powerful ambience of nature and release endorphins as you discover your surroundings with nature walks, trekking and water-rafting or make the most of calming holistic activities like Hatha yoga, morning stretches and meditation. Whichever wellness route you take, this is one Christmas you won’t want to forget.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at Ananda from $8,995pp or $9,675 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness program and return private transfers.

New Year Sport & Fitness: Baobab Suites Swimming or Running
Santa Claus is comin’ to town and he’s ditched the sleigh and reindeers after a stint in the Canaries at Baobab Suites on the Swimming or Running program. Refine your technique and efficiency in one or both distinct sporting disciplines with customised personal training under the warm Tenerife sun, gaining strength, stamina and skill. A fusion of luxury and minimalism, Baobab Suites, boasts elegant apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and efficient facilities ideal for all your wellness pursuits. With a year-round temperate climate, Tenerife is the perfect location for a summer wellness escape.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 5 nights at Baobab Suites from $1,675pp or $2,670 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness program and return private transfers.

Merry Mindfulness: Thailand The BARAI Spa
For a truly magical experience, look no further than this holistic beachfront retreat set on the pristine coast of Hua Hin. An experience designed to restore inner balance and awareness, embark upon an immersive journey of relaxation, movement and nutrition. The Barai focuses on providing long-term results with a holistic approach to the mind, body and spirit. It incorporates practices such as yoga and Tai Chi, luxury spa treatments and healthy cuisine, to put you on the path to a merry year ahead.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at The Barai from $4,250pp or $6,225 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness program and return private transfers.

Festive Fitness: Oman Zighy Bay Sense of Functional Fitness
Witness the beauty of the Musandam peninsula of Oman this yuletide season at Six Senses Zighy Bay, a wellness s offering rustic luxury and spectacular mountain views. With customised training, the functional fitness program focusses and delivers on personal goals whether it be toning, fitness, strength or flexibility. Enjoy an array of exhilarating experiences as you swap the daytime TV for trekking and tandem paragliding, then bring the New Year in in style with a chartered yacht or sunset cruise for the Christmas escape of your dreams.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at Zighy Bay from $5,370pp or $7,075 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness program and return private transfers.

Take a Step Back from Emotional Triggers: Thailand Kamalaya Embracing Change
Rediscover the joy in life and restore your balance and well-being on the Kamalaya Embracing Change wellness program for a journey to self-discovery and growth. Suitable for anyone seeking support for life change and life challenging situations of any kind, as well as for targeting mental health related issues, this program offers an experience that will help you thrive and conquer any challenging situations. Take control and learn the skills you need to develop your emotional strength at this retreat. Visit by yourself or bring a loved one for a safe and Merry Christmas experience.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at Kamalaya from $5,635pp or $6,010 for single occupancy. Pricing is full board, with a wellness program and return private transfers.

Single all The Way: St Lucia BodyHoliday
Are you on the lookout for a solo adventure this Christmas that rivals young Kevin McCallister’s in Home Alone (minus the mishaps)? If so, BodyHoliday is the perfect escape, with a range of action-packed activities that can keep you busy from dawn ’til dusk. This exquisite Caribbean wellness destination, surrounded by jungle covered piques and crystal-clear waters, offers a wide range of action-packed activities including scuba-diving, extreme mountain biking, tennis and windsurfing. With lavish accommodation, great restaurants, bars and a solo-friendly atmosphere, it surely is a home away from home for the festive season.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from $3,360pp or $3,535 for single occupancy. Pricing is all inclusive, with a wellness program and return private transfers.

A Holistic Kind of Holiday: Costa Rica The Retreat Revive & Renew
Treat yourself this Christmas with a holistic wellness holiday in Costa Rica. This beautiful retreat offers plenty of opportunity to refresh and restore your mind and body as you bask in the Costa Rican sunshine. Learn something new with a raw food cooking class or be at one with nature and try birdwatching and stargazing. ‘The Cristal Lotus’ spa provides the perfect chance to transform your well-being and address any health problems through natural approaches, so you can start 2019 as the best and most mindful version of yourself.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 6 nights at The Retreat Costa Rica from $2,915pp. Price includes full board, a wellness program and return private transfers.

Tis the Season to Be Spa-ing: Italy Borgo Egnazia Beauty
As the self-proclaimed belle of the ball this Christmas, you deserve a little pampering and what’s more, you deserve Borgo Egnazia. A castle-like haven set in an untouched and authentic region of Puglia, Italy, Borgo is an idyllic escape for spa-seekers and beauty-enthusiasts alike. By day, relax with Roman bath rituals, psycho-aromatherapy and essential oil massages and by night, enjoy top notch dining at a range of sophisticated gourmet restaurants. A vibrant, relaxing and soothing wellness experience, this short winter break may be just what you need to prepare you or repair you from the festivities.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au offers 5 nights at Borgo Egnazia from $3,270pp or $4,250 for single occupancy. Pricing includes breakfast, a wellness program and return private transfers.

Not your Average Christmas: Bali REVIVO Detox & Weight Loss
Ditch the Christmas treats and opinionated in-laws this December and head to the tropics for a wellness escape to the ‘island of the gods’ Bali. Put yourself first this festive season as you detox and lose a few unwanted kilos on a wellness trip that does not skimp on the cultural experiences. Discover the mental and physical benefits of Qigong, Tai Chi, Muay Thai and Tibetan meditation or try yoga, Pilates, TRX training and boxing. Whatever your wellness quirks, you are guaranteed to ring in the New Year in tip top shape.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at REVIVO Wellness Resort from $6,110pp or $9,530 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness program and return private transfers.

New Year, New You: Turkey Six Senses Kaplankaya Full Potential
Give yourself the gift of self-improvement this Christmas as you embrace the full potential program at Six Senses Kaplankaya in Turkey. Set in a secluded bay of the Milas province with panoramic views of the Aegean, this is an idyllic winter getaway to work on your New Year’s resolutions. Learn how to stay healthy over the festive period as you discover more about the inner workings of your body with metabolic tests, then relax with an expansive range of spa treatments. With a host of adventure tours available you are certain to make memories that outlast the festive period.

Health and Fitness Travel (1300 551 353 healthandfitnesstravel.com.au) offers 7 nights at Six Senses Kaplankaya from $4,525pp or $6,425 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness program and return private transfers.